If you insist on pitching your own tent, campgrounds across the country have basic camping sites available for the more adventurous spirits who want to start from scratch. Most campsites will have a designated fire pit on site and a bathroom nearby (some may or may not have showers, check individually). To find a National Park in your area the National Recreation Reservation Service operates www.reserveUSA.com, which contains listings for the USDA Forest Service and Army Corps of Engineers outdoor recreation facilities.

When choosing a tent there are a few things to keep in mind:

Waking to bird songs and crisp, clean air may not rouse you as quickly if the previous night's sleep left you with a stiff back or sore neck. Investing in an inexpensive solution such as an egg crate foam pad or an air mattress may be money well spent. Air mattresses can be found for as little as $20 at discount retailers like Target or Wal-Mart. Other simple solutions you may already have on hand are an extra sleeping bag or the thick exercise mats found at the gym. Toss either of these on the ground before putting down your sleeping bag for added comfort.

Sleeping bags are a camping essential, but bedding can replace it if you don't already own one. Comforters or blankets work fine for a few days of camping. But the old adage rings true: "Better safe than sorry." To guarantee a good night's rest, over-prepare by bringing two or three blankets to cover yourself and an extra blanket as padding.

Cookin' Up a Storm

Campsites are generally equipped with designated fire pits. This is the only place you should start a fire and a good place to cook meals. It is illegal to gather wood in National Parks and generally not a good idea to take wood from any natural setting. Plan ahead and bring a supply of wood from home that will last your entire trip. Newspapers come in handy as kindling and matches are a safe bet to light the fire.

Creative cooking abounds for camp meals. Camp chefs often find themselves improvising with common cooking utensils. Here are a few basics to bring.

Campsites suited for beginners will generally include a picnic table for outdoor dining. A plastic tablecloth does double duty, dressing up your campsite while covering the table for sanitary purposes. Folding chairs can be used as extra seating and also make comfortable fireside retreats at night.

While it's not quite "The Naked Chef," you will be creating meals with limited cooking resources and ingredients, so plan ahead. Simplicity is the key element for meals in the great outdoors. Packaged pasta or rice mixes are tasty and easy to make, and you can create variety by mixing in vegetables or chicken.

"Canned goods and one-pot meals are best," recommends Catherine Boire, public relations representative for Sequoia National Park. Remember that the less you use to cook with, the less cleanup there is to do.

Boire also recommends bringing a cooler for items that need refrigeration, such as meat, vegetables or milk. Ice blocks tend to last longer than ice cubes, but some campsites have small grocery stores that sell ice so it can be replenished conveniently. To play it safe, check with your campground when making reservations to find out if ice may be purchased nearby.

Coolers and all dry food goods should be stored in bear lockers when provided. If the camp provides a bear locker it means you are in bear country -- use it! If a bear locker is not provided, store all food goods in the trunk of your car, out of site of any furry friends that may creep unexpectedly into your campsite. Do not leave anything in your car. Bears (they don't just want your picnic basket like Yogi and Boo Boo) have been known to break into cars even for breath mints or sunscreen. As John Muir wrote in Our National Parks, "To him almost everything is food except granite." If bears can see it, they can probably get to it.

Respect the Permanent Residents

The top tip for beginner campers? "Don't underestimate the wildlife," warns Boire. They are wild, unpredictable creatures that should be observed from a distance. No matter how cute chipmunks, raccoons, skunks or other animals appear, they are all looking for the same thing: your leftovers. Cleanup should be a constant. After a meal is done, scrape the leftovers into a trash bag and take it to the camp dumpster; leaving trash or unwashed dishes lying around is asking for unwanted visitors.

When breaking camp, make sure you take everything with you. One common camping phrase encourages "Pack it in, pack it out." Your campground is the local wildlife's backyard, so keep it clean.

Packing in Style

Choosing a wardrobe for your adventure requires a little bit of everything. "You should be prepared for any kind of weather," advises Lance Wellwood, manager of Yosemite's Housekeeping Camp. "Bring warm clothes and rain gear regardless of the time of year."

To simplify the packing process, here is a short list of recommended clothing

Be sure to find out about the location and operation of bathrooms and showers when you make your camping reservations. It is likely that both will be within walking distance. You will need shoes to wear to and from the shower, as well as something to carry toiletries in. A simple solution is a Ziplock gallon-size storage bag, which generally is large enough for toiletries and can be sealed to keep liquids from leaking onto clothing. Some showers are coin operated so bring quarters.

You will also want to bring:

Making a checklist (right after making those campground reservations) will help you decide what to pack and keep the essentials on your list. And finally, after you arrive at your destination, take a deep breath and prepare for an adventure!